[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1554799655462{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The overwhelming majority of people who have rhinoplasty are very happy with the results. Still, there are a few steps to go through before they realize their perfect nose and the beautiful profile that goes with it. Here are some tips on how to get through the rhinoplasty healing process:

Right After Surgery
A person who wakes up after rhinoplasty surgery finds that both of their nostrils are packed, which causes them to breathe through their mouth until they are removed and for some days afterward. Since the patient will probably spend the night in the hospital, the packs will be removed in the morning. The splint to support the patient’s nose will remain for about a week to 10 days, and the absorbable stitches in the nose will also disappear after the same amount of time.

Pain Control
When it comes to pain control, health professionals often tell patients to start taking prescribed pain medications before the anesthesia completely wears off. This enhances the patient’s comfort. The patient can apply ice packs for the first two days after the surgery. After that, they can use heating pads or warm compresses to relieve the pain of the incisions.

Recuperating at Home
The patient should have arranged for someone to drive them home before the surgery and for someone stay with them for the first 24 hours. The patient should take either prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen to stay comfortable. They should expect their nose to bleed for a few days, though the blood loss should be minor. If the blood loss is copious, the patient should call the doctor.

In the meantime, the patient should sleep with their head elevated and avoid being in a hot room or taking a hot bath or shower for at least two weeks. They should avoid alcoholic beverages for that time.

The patient should avoid nose sprays or decongestants, even though their nose will feel very stuffy. Sleeping with their head elevated will relieve this. Breathing through their mouth can dry out their lips, so they should have lip balm on hand to soothe them.

The patient will really need to avoid sneezing and should not blow their nose for at least a week. If they feel the urge to sneeze, they should cough instead.

The patient should try to return to normal activity and work as soon as they can. This reduces the risk of depression, which is fairly common after such surgery.

If you have any questions about rhinoplasty healing and post op, just give us a call.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]